Be Good…For Goodness Sake!

 

When I ask my students how are they feeling, more often then not I hear “ good…fine.”

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Where do you find your stability?

Exploratory movement in yesterday’s Hatha class revealed something very interesting.

Oftentimes we lack awareness and/or strength in deep, intrinsic muscles of the inner core. Instead, when our stability is challenged, we engage the familiar, big postural muscles creating tightness and tension. Some of us, without being consciously aware of what’s happening, also hold our breath or lock our jaws.

How do we change that pattern?

Nourishing relaxation above all, before we even start moving, is the key to success. Some simple techniques might include breath awareness, the practice of pranayama or a body scan.

Join Satori Yoga class to learn more.

See you soon!

Eat, Pray, Love,….Yoga

What do you want from your yoga class?

A good stretch?

Peace?

Harmony?

Laughter? Read more

Yoga Therapy Intensive in Vancouver

A month ago I have attended a four day Yoga Therapy Intensive in Vancouver with Susi Hatley Aldous. It has been, like a lot of these trainings, a life – or more correctly – life perception altering experience. As the course ended, I really wanted to share what I’ve experienced with my teacher as well as my students. Funny thing, though – I couldn’t find time or words to express myself clearly. In fact, I couldn’t find any words at all that matched what I felt. A few days ago I woke up at 4 in the morning – that happens often when I am exploring an idea and I knew exactly what to say.

The experience in Vancouver has been enriching, profound and at the same time very grounding. I guess that makes sense – a lot of us had finally settled into Being in our bodies.

Something that was said during the workshop ” What is it that you are doing that is causing you pain or discomfort” had been the light that suddenly went on. First it completely changed my own practice and how I taught. As my body and my mind started to unraveled, this new learning had spilled into absolutely every aspect and every little corner of my life – what I eat, how I work – and importantly – how much I work, my relationships; no stone left unturned.

It had touched everything – bringing a lot of things, some unexpected and some unpleasant, to light. We talked about “the red flags” – body sensations that let us know – “hey, you are going to ache tomorrow! hey, you are going too far with this stretch!”  and how we have the potential, ability and the knowledge to stop before that point – at the “yellow flag”. And so now I keep watching “the yellow flags becoming the red flags”  and feel like I am finally getting to know some parts of me that are more connected, settled, steady and grounded  with and to who I am.

The workshop also brought me back to the though of how wonderfully miraculous our bodies are and how, if treated with kindness and respect, they have an absolute ability to heal. Here is the video of the inner life of the cell  more often then not I teary-eyed watching it. Life is so grand!

Yoga for vacation

Ahhh, traveling… Who doesn’t dream about strolling through the ancient streets of Rome, exploring Machu Picchu or flying off to an unforgettable trip to India. Even a weekend get-away is always anxiously awaited.

When I travel, often times I find myself feeling rather unsettled. It is not exactly something I can put my finger on – just that faint sensation of  “something is not right”. Feeling antsy is the best way I can describe it! Yoga and meditation are definitely a great help.

Lately, though, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to get myself settled.

I found that walking is a great tool for me.

Meditation is a great way to spend time when you’re waiting for a plane or during a long ( or even a short) flight.

Eating well makes a huge difference in how I feel.

Taking some time to be by myself seems to clear my head, too.

Once you start noticing what makes you feel out of balance, you will be able to find tools and activities that help you stay grounded – on vacation or not.

Here is a great yoga sequence to help you calm frazzled nerves and impart peace of mind.